Reference URL

This early painting by MacTaggart depicts the road from Edinburgh to Lasswade, looking south. The artist took this road daily from his home near Lasswade, to teach at Edinburgh College of Art. The painting shows a looseness of handling which the artist was beginning to introduce into his paintings. The scene is formed with confident, rhythmic brushstrokes. At the time this piece was painted, MacTaggart was particularly interested in the work of Chaïm Soutine, whose paintings are distinguished by their energetic brushwork.

Details

Acc. No.GMA 1087

MediumOil on wood

Size50.50 x 60.70 cm

CreditPurchased 1968

Sir William MacTaggart (Scottish, 1903 - 1981)

Born in Loanhead, Midlothian, MacTaggart was the grandson of the artist William McTaggart, the leading Scottish landscape painter of his period. MacTaggart studied at Edinburgh College of Art from 1918 to 1921, returning there in 1933 to teach until 1958. He painted landscapes and still lifes and was much influenced by the work of Edvard Munch and French artists such as Georges Rouault, whose use of colour to express emotions particularly inspired him. MacTaggart was President of the Royal Scottish Academy from 1959 to 1964.